'Switzerland in Surat': Ganesh Pandal Brings 'Snow City' Experience with Igloo, Penguins, and Artificial Snow

A Ganesh pandal in Nanpura has created a ‘Snow City’ theme this Ganeshotsav, giving devotees a glimpse of a cold, snowy world while visiting Lord Ganesha. The pandal has been designed on the theme of Switzerland, with an igloo, penguins, an ice man, a lake and artificial snowfall.

Six Months of Preparation

The Sailor Bal Ganesh Mandal, which has completed 25 years and entered its 26th year, worked for nearly six months to prepare the theme. The organisers have installed eight air conditioners to maintain the cold atmosphere inside the pandal. A snow machine has also been used to create artificial snowfall for visitors.

A Snowy World in Nanpura

The pandal, located behind Sailor Club near Bahumali in Nanpura, has been designed to look like a snowy region. Visitors can see an igloo, penguins, an ice man, snow animals and a lake. The artificial snowfall and cold temperature are meant to give visitors a brief experience of a snowy place while staying in Surat.

Organisers Ravi Sarang and Mitesh Sarang said they try to bring a new theme every year during Ganeshotsav. They said preparations for this year's Switzerland-inspired Snow City began around six months ago, while special work on the decoration and cold atmosphere was carried out over the last 20 days.

Ganpati in Mahadev Avatar

This year, the mandal has also presented Lord Ganesha in a unique form inspired by Mahadev. The idol features elements associated with Lord Shiva, including matted hair, a crescent moon on the head and a snake around the neck. Last year, the mandal had created a Candy Land theme, while this year it has moved to a Snow City concept.

The Snow City theme, combined with the specially designed Ganesha idol, has become an attraction for devotees. The organisers said their aim is to offer visitors not only darshan of Lord Ganesha but also a different experience through the theme and decorations.